Kiss or Kill

Kabanata 23

My mind was in a complete mess. Maybe I am too paranoid of the things that might go wrong. It's Yanna's supposed to be "sweet sixteen," and I kinda feel that something big is going to happen. I'm not so sure, sabi nga ni Clint, don't trust your instincts all the time. It may cause harm or danger.

Nanlalamig ang mga kamay ko na tila wala ng dugo ang dumadaloy dito. Tahimik akong nakaupo sa passenger's seat habang nagmamaneho si Clint papunta sa venue ng party. I glanced at him and so far, this is his most attractive state that I've seen him in. Suot niya ang isang light blue suit that matches his complexion well. He matched it with a dark gray tie and leather shoes. He's like a glowing firefly that stands out among the normal flies.

"Do you think something bad might happen?" I asked.

Ngumiti ito sa akin at nilingon ako. Hinawakan nito ang nanlalamig kong mga kamay at binalik ang tingin sa kalsada. "Don't think too much. I'll watch her also from time to time. Kapag may nangyari, save yourself first. Wag ka mangunguna at lalong wag ka gagawa ng katangahan," pangangaral nito sa akin.

Formal party ang pupuntahan namin kaya ang suot ko ay isang glamorous royal blue na silk gown para ternuhan si Clint na escort ko. It was backlaced that exposed half of my back. It perfectly fits me. The gown emphasizes my figure and its length gently flows and touches the floor. May mga beads din na nakalagay sa laylayan nito. I paired it with black stiletto heels. I'll give credits to Ate Cj for doing my make up. Hindi ako marunong maglagay ng mga kolorete sa mukha. Mabuti na lamang at inalok niya ako na sya na ang mag-aayos sa akin. She even fixed my hair into a messy fishtail braid. Na-expose ang mga highlights ng buhok ko. I was not aware that she had talent in transforming someone into another person. I almost didn't recognize myself.

Tumigil kami sa tapat ng isang gusali na mukhang isang engrande, elite, at five star hotel. Napakataas nito na dahilan upang mangawit ang leeg ko sa pagtingala. Bumilog ang bibig ko sa pagkamangha. Kahit kailan talaga ay rich kid din si Yanna. Isang package na talaga: mayaman na, talented pa and to add that she's smart and a good samaritan. What else should you look for? She has a close to perfection status and life.

"I feel weird and uncomfortable," I muttered silently.

Tinanggal ni Clint ang seatbelt niya at for the last time, hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at tinitigan sa mata. He gave me an assuring smile at hinawi niya ang ilang piraso ng buhok ko at nilagay sa likod ng tenga ko. "Nothing will happen. Let's just believe in that," hopefully, sana nga walang mangyari. I worry a lot about Yanna. Lalo na ngayon dahil alam na nya ang sikreto ko. The Underground people will be chasing after her life. "Dahil masyado kang paranoid, here," inabot niya sa akin ang isang maliit na black card na kasing size ng isang sim card. Tinitigan ko itong maigi but I can't recognize it.

"What's this? Can this save my life or what?"

"Yes, it can. Isa yang tracker. Kung may mangyari man, malalaman natin kung nasaan sya. Be sure to give it to Yanna before the clock strikes twelve."

Actually, today's just September 7. Bukas pa ang official birthday ni Yanna. Dahil gusto nya ng mala-fairytale na birthday, she decided to celebrate it today hanggang sa magtwelve am. That's because when the clock strikes at twelve, she officially becomes sixteen. But what I am worrying about is all about that freaking fairytales. The princess is supposed to disappear when it's twelve right? Ugh, screw fairytales.

Nilagay ko ang tracker sa purse ko. I am so ready for this event. I brought a dagger with me that's inside my purse. Call me paranoid but yes, my instinct is telling me something.

Bumaba si Clint ng sasakyan at pinagbuksan ako ng pinto. "You look gorgeous," inilahad niya ang kamay nya na tinanggap ko naman. Inalalayan niya ako sa pagbaba at nag-ingat ako upang hindi matapakan ang gown ko. Muntik pa akong matapilok dahil sa heels ngunit nasalo ako ni Clint. "Clumsy as ever, Mia. Kung hindi lang kita pinsan baka napatulan na kita," kinindatan niya ako at nagpanggap akong nasusuka.